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Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad Recipe

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5 from 65 reviews

This vibrant Shaved Rainbow Carrot Sesame Salad combines sweet, crunchy julienned carrots with fresh herbs and a flavorful sesame dressing, delivering a refreshing and healthy side dish perfect for any occasion. The toasted sesame seeds add a nutty aroma and texture, while the dressing offers a balanced mix of savory, tangy, and spicy flavors.

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 1/2 lbs carrots, peeled and julienned
  • 1/4 cup scallions, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Dressing

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp low sodium Tamari (or soy sauce)
  • 1 tsp white miso
  • 1 tsp sriracha
  • 1 tsp coconut sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated

Instructions

  1. Toast Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry pan over medium heat and add the sesame seeds. Toast them, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and release a fragrant aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare Carrots: Peel and julienne the carrots using a sharp knife or food processor. Place the julienned carrots in a large mixing bowl to prepare for combining with other ingredients.
  3. Add Herbs: Finely chop the scallions, cilantro, and basil. Add these fresh herbs to the bowl with carrots and toss gently to combine, distributing the flavors evenly.
  4. Make Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine sesame oil, rice vinegar, low sodium Tamari, white miso, sriracha, coconut sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well emulsified.
  5. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the freshly blended dressing over the carrot and herb mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
  6. Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and intensify, enhancing the overall taste of the salad before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add chopped roasted peanuts or cashews just before serving.
  • This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days, but is best enjoyed fresh.
  • Adjust sriracha quantity according to your preferred spice level.
  • Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline if julienning carrots by hand for uniform thin strips.
  • Low sodium Tamari is recommended for a gluten-free option; regular soy sauce can be used if gluten is not a concern.